In episode 13 of We Own The Laughs w/ Tyson Paul, Actress/Model/Comedian Rachel Sterling sits down with Tyson as they talk about the differences between comedic acting and stand-up comedy, paying your dues in the Los Angeles comedy scene, dealing with anxiety, loving the comedy grind, and constantly getting better. Rachel also gives us some of her favorite comedy preferences.
Comedic actress Rachel Sterling began her training at the Piero Dusa Acting Conservatory in Santa Monica California. Her years at the conservatory laid the foundation that would lead to love and respect of the fundamentals of theater.
Originally known for being a pin-up model and music video vixen, appearing first in Playboy’s College girl issue, then appearing in videos for Kid Rock, Dr. Dre, Shaggy, Sugar Ray, Ja Rule, Velvet Revolver, No Doubt, Wyclef Jean, Enrique Iglesias, Nas, Third Eye Blind, Lil Kim, Blink 182, Chief Wakil, Limp Bizkit, Saliva, and George Michael. The transition to film and television came with her debut as Cherry in the comedy film TomCats, followed by her series regular role on the Comedy Central series The Man Show starring Jimmy Kimmel and Adam Carolla.
Shortly after a 5 episode run as the On The Red Carpet correspondent for ShowTime, an offer came to join Robin Antin’s original Pussycat Dolls live at the Viper Room. This opportunity would change her life forever. After years of working the showgirl circuit before coming to Hollywood, burlesque became second nature to Rachel. It was a dream come true becoming the Dolls burlesque solo artist. Her performance in the bath tube and Champagne glass have been often imitated but never duplicated. Under Jimmy Iovine at Interscope Records, The Pussycat Dolls transformed from a burlesque revue to pop girl band group originally having 12 members including Carmen Electra. The opportunity to appear in a small role in The Wedding Crashers alongside Vince Vaughn would guide Rachel back to her original path toward acting. Rachel would leave the Dolls to pursue acting. Returning years later for 6 months as the Headliner at The Pussycat Doll Lounge at Caesars Palace.
The success of The Wedding Crashers coupled with the notoriety of being an original Pussycat Doll landed Magazine features and covers globally for Maxim, FHM, Stuff, Esquire, Front, Frank 151, and in various photography art books. Most notable is her work with Ellen Von Unwerth, Nick & Adam Hayes as well as close friends Estevon Oriol, Patrick Hoelck, and Scott Cann. During this time Rachel toured America and Canada as the burlesque headliner coupled with famous DJs at numerous nightclubs, theaters, events and even Hugh Hefner’s famous Playboy Mansion.
After honing her improv chops at Upright Citizens Brigade, Rachel quickly found a place on The Carpet Brothers alongside Will Ferrell as Bianca Jaguar, and as Madam Caramel for 2 seasons on Reno 911. It was this role that got Hugh Hefner’s attention and the celebrity pictorial for Playboy Magazine. Proving once and for all that personality counts.
